[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 7, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM WAGE

  (Ms. PELOSI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, on November 1, 1989, 135 Republicans voted 
with the Democrats in passing a 90-cent increase in the minimum wage. 
The vote of this body was 382 to 37.
  On that day, Democrats and Republicans joined together in raising the 
standard of living for nearly 5 million American workers. On that day 
our former Republican colleague, Tom Ridge, now the Governor of 
Pennsylvania, spoke very eloquently when he said, ``Republicans and 
Democrats today must make a joint statement that we, as elective 
Representatives, appreciate the contribution that these working men and 
women are making to our country, and once we peel away the political 
debate,'' Governor Ridge said, ``what Republicans and Democrats should 
join together in saying is that there is considerable value to their 
work.''
  Governor Ridge had it right, Mr. Speaker. This proposal that we have 
before us now, another 90-cent increase, is a modest increase that 
working people need and deserve. It is a tribute to their labor.
  An increase in the minimum wage will primarily benefit adult workers, 
many of whom rely on their minimum wage to support their households.


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